MORE THAN MEAT + POTATOES Red Rock Urban BBQ is another favourite local spot that is always busy. The portions are great, the meat is cooked to perfection, and it has a great patio for gathering with friends. If you are not sure what to get, go for the “Oink, Cackle & Moo,” it includes their pulled pork, quarter dixie chicken and sliced brisket plus two sides and cornbread. It is more than enough to feed at least two people, if not more. If you are searching for some great local spots to hit earlier in the day, head over to Fourteen Food Co., an amazing lunch and brunch spot that serves up simple, fast, and delicious sandwiches and more. They are huge proponents of local, working with nearby farms and producers whenever possible.
Maddhatters. Restaurant by day, club vibe by night (pre-covid, of course), they can accommodate groups of all sizes in their upbeat, electric space. From Ridge Valley chicken to Broken Oak Distilling spirits, they are serving up some of the best local ingredients all day (and night) long. They even added a new online marketplace during the lockdowns to help local farms sell their products. Grab a plate of their locally renowned wings or a Rangeland bison burger, pair it with their “We Are All Madd Here” signature cocktail, and you have all the makings of an exceptional dining experience. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the namesake painting – you will wish you could take it home!
The “Uncle Joey” (R) is one of their most popular sandwiches, which is like a Cubano and pressed to perfection. Pair it with the “Loaded Fries,” and you will be full for the rest of the day. Wash it down with a Grain Bin craft brew, or a Grizzly Paw soda, or with a coffee from local roasters at Mink Hollow Coffee. This might sound odd but be sure to check out their washrooms before you leave – they have some local artwork all over the walls adding to the fun and inviting environment.
From Grain to Glass
If you are looking for something more contemporary, look no further than Jeffrey’s Café Co., a 20-year veteran of the local food scene.
The Grande Prairie region is becoming known for turning out some of the best craft beverages in all of Alberta.
They take local to heart, working with farms and producers from the area whenever they can, and supporting various community initiatives throughout the year. While they have multiple locations around the city, their flagship space boasts a relaxed space with an upscale twist, endless counters of featured desserts, and a carefully curated retail space that features unique artisanal goods.
From spirits to fruit wines to brews to coffee, there is sure to be something to please every palate. Tours and tastings are available almost everywhere because they want you to find the perfect flavour profile for you, so that you love their products as much as they do.
Their food can be described as homestyle bistro fare and has something for absolutely everyone (there is even a keto menu available). From the Smoked Maple Tea Latte to the Prairie Berry Sangria, their local flavours also extend to their beverage list.
Broken Oak Distilling Co. uses local grain from a farm just north in Sexsmith, giving it a true taste of the north. This craft distillery has set their sights on discovering the taste of their region, which you will find throughout their product lines.
Need to beat the summer heat? Head over to their sister shop, The Scoop, for some made from-scratch ice cream. When it comes to supporting local, you would be hard pressed to find somewhere that does it better than
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